Local students are about to enjoy a week off for the annual preview of summer — Spring Break.

However, the weather has not been kind to the area and the long-term forecast for next week does not look promising either.

So how can Midlanders escape the so-far dreary spring weather?

Here are a few suggestions of faux warm weather escapes within the area.

• Go golfing: While Currie will look more like a lake soon, a smaller round of golf may be in order. Lost Pirates Adventure Golf is part of Valley Lanes Family Entertainment Center and features 18 holes of miniature golf — an activity that dots the landscape of tourist towns. Golfing not your thing? Revisit another indoor activity like roller-skating at the Roll Arena.

• Take a swim: While the Great Lakes may be too cold for a dip, there are lots of facilities that offer public pools in a climate controlled environment. Delta College, Midland Community Center, Four Seasons Health Club, and more. Or, go big and get a hotel room for the night at a place with a pool.

• Education: OK, I realize school is out. However, there are a few educational offerings that are fun and tropical (or at least summery) as a distraction. The Alden B. Dow Museum of Science and Art will have special extended hours during the week — 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, and until 8 p.m. on Thursday featuring its “Frogs: A Chorus of Colors” exhibit. Dow Gardens hosts Butterflies in Bloom in its tropical conservatory and Chippewa Nature Center offers Spring Exploration Days as a way to learn and celebrate Michigan in spring.

What are you and your family doing this Spring Break around town to escape an otherwise gray season?

Let us know at www.ourmidland.com or on our Facebook (search Midland Daily News). Join in the conversation and maybe you’ll find something new and fun to do.

Compiled by Josh Grosteffon

Main photo, a scene from Lost Pirates Adventure Golf at Valley Lanes. Top right, an African bullfrog sits at Frogs! A Chorus of Colors at Alden B. Dow Museum of Science and Art. Bottom right, Gavin Connors, 4, left, holds out his finger as Trip Bellinger, 4, passes him a Hecale Longwing butterfly at Dow Gardens.